Fact Sheets & Video - Kyoto

Kyoto was Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is now the country's seventh largest city with a population of 1.4 million people, and is considered the 'cultural treasure house' and Japan's historical hub. The inhabitants are known for their refinement and their city for its beauty. Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its historic value, the city was not chosen as a target of air raids during World War II. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today, several of which are UNESCO World Heritage listed. Today the traditional side of Kyoto blends with modern day Kyoto, making the city a fusion of old and new.

Once there, many visitors to Kyoto enjoy 'geisha spotting', as Kyoto is known as the home of the geisha. The Gion district at dusk is the best time to see the geishas, as this is when they are hurrying to their next appointment. Geishas are considered traditional entertainers, used as 'business tools', and their role is to act as the ultimate host - serving food, pouring tea and wine, making polite conversation and entertaining the guests, whether it be singing, dancing or playing the shamisen (a three string instrument). But businessmen are not the only people who can dine with the geishas - you too can experience the ways of the geisha by taking a Kyoto Sights and Nights tour with Peter MacIntosh. On this tour you'll get to do a walking tour around the Gion district and you can also organise an exclusive dinner with a geisha!

With over 2000 shrines, temples and gardens in Kyoto alone, it's easy to feel drained, so make sure to stop by a Zen garden to clear your mind. The Zen garden located in the Ryoanji temple in Kyoto is one of the most famous Zen gardens in the world, with hundreds of thousands of visitors flocking to the temple each year to experience its calming effect. Viewed from the right position, this empty space (bar a few strategically-placed rocks) is meant to create the image of a tree in the subconscious mind.

A quick ride in a rickshaw will take you to one of the best temples in Tokyo - Kiyomizudera temple. It is said that Kiyomizudera (Clear Water Temple) was founded in 798 by the monk Enchin through the patronage of the warrior Tamuramaro. Locals and tourists alike flock to the hall to talk to the gods and ask for good luck (with a small donation) in love, health, even traffic safety! Below the hall is the Otowa-No-Taki waterfall, where you can drink the sacred water that is believed to have a number of therapeutic properties, even improving school test results! South of the main hall is the Koyasu-No-To pagoda, which houses the statue of the goddess responsible for safe delivery of babies so, of course, pregnant women swarm there. Another temple not to miss is the Kinkakuji. The famed 'Golden Temple', is one of Japan best-known sights. The original building was constructed in 1397 as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. In 1950 a young monk, obsessed with the temple, burnt it to the ground. In 1955, a full reconstruction was completed that exactly followed the original design, but the gold foil covering was extended to the lower floors. Further information

Kyoto - A 90 minute walking tour of Geisha district starts at $35 a person. Meet a geisha starts at $235 a person based on a group of three.

Website: www.kyotosightsandnights.com

Gourmet Traveller's 14 day Tokyo to Kyoto tour starts at $3220 a person based on twin share. Includes experienced guide, most meals & transport. *Local payment $267 **Subject to exchange rates

Intrepid Travel

Telephone: 1300 360 887

Website: www.intrepidtravel.com

Prices correct at 30/1/06